If being a great basketball player is something you have wanted, you surely realize the commitment it requires. Whether you’re playing for fun or for a team, you probably would like to be a good player. The following tips will help you improve your game.
It’s simple to want to work on offense when you’re getting into basketball, but it’s smarter to think about defense practice too. Defense is how you win a basketball game. Offense receives all the glory, but it is nothing without the best defense.
Free throw practice is vitally important. This is something that seems simple, but in reality it can be hard. Use good technique when shooting foul shots. Start with the ball positioned right before your face. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. Next, take your shot seeing the ball move in the trajectory you envisaged for it.
Free throws are as mental as physical. You must train both your body and your mind. Relax and focus on the basket; this will help you succeed.
Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. Every player has a skill that allows him to succeed. Practice their moves to become better.
If your son or daughter wants to play high school basketball, they need to work on core muscle training. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. Stronger core muscles will help them be more resistant and allow them to develop many different athletic abilities. If your core is solid, you will have greater strength in your legs. This helps with fast running and high jumping.
To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Force opposing players into an unfamiliar or unexpected position. The more aggressive you are the better. Don’t let them choose what plays to make. The more aggressively smart team is usually the one who wins. Make your moves first and end their patterns.
Try to strengthen your forearms and hands to better handle the ball. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills. Basketball requires its players to move quickly, shoot accurately and pass well. You have to get the ball around, too.
If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you. When someone is right on top of you, pass the ball instead of dribbling.
Take charges whenever possible. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent. This can throw off the opposing team and mess up their rhythm.
One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. Slide your feet from side to side or push off with your opposing foot so that you are always in position. Remember to never let your feet cross and you will be a difficult player to get around.
If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court. This also can significantly help your basketball game.
To better three-point shooting, try using NBA distance as the minimum. The international line is much closer. If you can make a basket from there, you will open up the defense because they will have to play you closely.
Practice dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. This will help you learn to dribble during all different kinds of situations. You might be able to go through an open court or have to switch sides to avoid opponents. Remember to dribble while leaning in various directions. By nailing this skill, you have a better chance to avoid a turnover.
Dribble the ball below knee level. The other team’s players will have a difficult time stealing the basketball from you. You will have to bend a little to make this happen, but it will keep you moving down the court quickly, especially since you are thwarting everyone trying to get to you.
The best way to become a better player is to talk to your teammates and know what they are going to be doing. Basketball is not an individual sport. Offense and defense are not one-on-one. Players on the same team help each one another out. Communicate and have everyone on the same page in order to play better.
Follow the advice presented here to improve your game and become the best player possible. As you continue to practice these tips, you will continue to see improvements in your game. If you work hard on your game, it’ll get better every day.